10 Life Lessons Learned From Backpacking Around Europe

It was a life changing experience for me when I had the chance to backpack around Europe for one month which taught me a lot about a life.

Travelling changed my perspective about people and life and here are ten life lessons which I would like to share.

1. I discover myself.
As I sat down by the parks for meals or even when looking out from the train’s window, it gives me time to do some self-reflection. I start to observe people around me and asked myself, deep thought question, “What do I want in my life?”. My answer was freedom to choose and freedom to live.

2. Living in the present moment brings instant happiness.
When I slow down and take my time watching the world goes by, I feel peaceful and happy.

3. A simple conversation can turn out to be your source of inspiration.
Meeting new people; listening to their life stories and travel experiences gives me a lot of inspiration that life has so much to offer.

4. Having an open mind will lead to new discoveries.
When you approach travel with an open mind, you will sometimes discover more than what you expect. You will go to places you’ve never been.

5. Courage to explore new things.
It could be as simple as tasting a new local dish to sleeping overnight at the train station, you will step out from your comfort zone and do things that you have never done before.

6. Walking makes you feel alive.
In Europe, I travelled a lot by foot. Walking allows me to enjoy the beautiful scenery and surroundings. I feel alive with my five senses awaken.

7. I learnt to be flexible.
Things do not always go as planned. Weather could change unexpectedly forcing you to change your plans or train delays which means you need to re-plan but that is life. Just go with the flow and make the best out of the situation. No point complaining when it won’t change the fact.

8. Communication can be non-verbal.
At times when I had to communicate using hand signs as I am unable to speak their foreign language, it was no barrier to getting the information I am looking for. And one thing for sure, smile is a universal language understood by all and helps to fill the gap especially when you are lost for words.

9. I became more confident.
From asking directions from strangers to having to make decisions on the spot when things do not go as planned made me a much more confident person.

10. I became more grateful.
At times, we do take things for granted and travelling has taught me to be more grateful. When we are away from our families and friends, we value their existence and relationship so much more.

Travelling has broadened up my mind and these life lessons have somehow influenced and shaped me. I am really thankful to my parents for being so supportive and for giving me the opportunity to truly experience life.

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